DECATUR, IL (Chambana Today) — Several 4-H members from Macon and Piatt counties were recognized at a statewide ceremony earlier this month for their achievements in animal sciences, leadership, community service, and project learning.
Morgan Crouch of Macon County received a State 4-H Animal Sciences Award, which includes a $1,250 scholarship, recognizing excellence and mastery in animal science projects. She also earned an Emerald Clover Award in Leadership for her work as a youth member of the DeWitt, Macon, Piatt Extension Council, her role on the State 4-H Livestock Skillathon Prep committee, her position as president-elect of her 4-H club, and her advocacy with state legislators.
Delaney Crouch, also of Macon County, received an Emerald Clover Award in Leadership for her service as club secretary-elect and her work hosting a 4-H booth at the Illinois State Fair, where she also met with Illinois Agriculture Director Costello to discuss her involvement in the program.
From Piatt County, Abby Pilcher earned an Emerald Clover Award in Community Service for her participation in food drives, fairground cleanups, a church mission trip, and volunteering at the Eastern Illinois Food Bank. Fellow Piatt County member Emily Pilcher received an Emerald Clover Award in Project Learning, having explored cooking, health innovations, theatre arts, civic engagement, and animal sciences. She also received the Inspire Award at the Illinois State Fair for her Cooking 101 cereal bars.
Elizabeth Cornett of Macon County earned the Diamond Clover Award in Leadership — a step above the Emerald — for her work as lead outreach coordinator for a FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team, her involvement in delivering mini robot kits to youth in the Dominican Republic, and her service as a junior assistant at the DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt 4-H General Projects Show.
The awards ceremony was held April 3 in Champaign as part of a statewide celebration recognizing 45 Illinois 4-H members who received scholarships from the Illinois 4-H Foundation.